Written questions by Cartlidge.

With reference to his Written Ministerial Statement of 1 April 2025 on Defence Reform, HCWS 573, whether the small central team integrating across activity and force design will require (a) newly created posts and (b) a reallocation of existing posts.

The detailed requirement for the Military Strategic Headquarters (MSHQ) organisational structure is in development and will include a small central team integrating activity and Force Design. This will be drawn from existing resource within the Department. The full detail of the responsibilities of MSHQ is under review as part of Defence Reform. This will be subject to refinement as planned implementation continues, and in response to operational and policy requirements as they emerge. The Chief of Joint Operations (CJO) will remain based at the Permanent Joint Headquarters at Northwood, which remains part of Strategic Command. CJO will report to the Chief of the Defence Staff for operational matters when required.

With reference to his Written Ministerial Statement of 1 April 2025 on Defence Reform, HCWS 573, whether he has considered absorbing Strategic Command into the Military Strategic Headquarters.

The detailed requirement for the Military Strategic Headquarters (MSHQ) organisational structure is in development and will include a small central team integrating activity and Force Design. This will be drawn from existing resource within the Department. The full detail of the responsibilities of MSHQ is under review as part of Defence Reform. This will be subject to refinement as planned implementation continues, and in response to operational and policy requirements as they emerge. The Chief of Joint Operations (CJO) will remain based at the Permanent Joint Headquarters at Northwood, which remains part of Strategic Command. CJO will report to the Chief of the Defence Staff for operational matters when required.

With reference to his Written Ministerial Statement of 1 April 2025 on Defence Reform, HCWS 573, whether he has considered the (a) abolition, (b) absorption and (c) resubordinating of Strategic Command.

The detailed requirement for the Military Strategic Headquarters (MSHQ) organisational structure is in development and will include a small central team integrating activity and Force Design. This will be drawn from existing resource within the Department. The full detail of the responsibilities of MSHQ is under review as part of Defence Reform. This will be subject to refinement as planned implementation continues, and in response to operational and policy requirements as they emerge. The Chief of Joint Operations (CJO) will remain based at the Permanent Joint Headquarters at Northwood, which remains part of Strategic Command. CJO will report to the Chief of the Defence Staff for operational matters when required.

Food and Rural Affairs, what plans his Department has to provide future funding to replace the Fruit and Vegetable Aid Scheme.

The Government’s commitment to our horticulture sector and its vital role in strengthening food security remains steadfast. Our proposed approach to future funding for horticulture will be considered alongside Defra’s work to simplify and rationalise agricultural grant funding, ensuring that grants deliver the most benefit for food security and nature. This includes developing a 25-year Farming Roadmap, which will involve the Government and the industry working together to identify solutions to challenges to make the sector more profitable in the decades to come. We recognise the specific needs of the horticulture sector, and Defra ministers and officials meet regularly with a variety of growers from across the sector, (including a number of Producer Organisation members), to discuss a wide range of issues to help us understand how best to support sector.

With reference to his Written Ministerial Statement of 1 April 2025 on Defence Reform, HCWS 573, whether the National Armaments Director Group will have its own secretariat.

Defence Reform is making significant changes as part of this Government's ongoing efforts to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of UK Defence. These do not require formal Parliamentary approval, but the Government remains committed to transparency and accountability and will ensure that Parliament is kept informed of progress. The Quad will convene as often as necessary to ensure oversight and momentum of Defence Reform. Ministers will interact with the Quad through structured engagements and briefings. The Quad will provide regular updates to the Secretary of State for Defence and the Ministerial team, ensuring they are fully informed of progress. This will facilitate decision-making and ensure that the Defence Reform agenda aligns with broader Government objectives. It is too early to determine whether the National Armaments Director Group will have a central secretariat or continue to draw on existing capabilities in its constituent parts.

With reference to his Written Ministerial Statement of 1 April 2025 on Defence Reform, HCWS 573, how ministers will interact with the Quad.

Defence Reform is making significant changes as part of this Government's ongoing efforts to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of UK Defence. These do not require formal Parliamentary approval, but the Government remains committed to transparency and accountability and will ensure that Parliament is kept informed of progress. The Quad will convene as often as necessary to ensure oversight and momentum of Defence Reform. Ministers will interact with the Quad through structured engagements and briefings. The Quad will provide regular updates to the Secretary of State for Defence and the Ministerial team, ensuring they are fully informed of progress. This will facilitate decision-making and ensure that the Defence Reform agenda aligns with broader Government objectives. It is too early to determine whether the National Armaments Director Group will have a central secretariat or continue to draw on existing capabilities in its constituent parts.

With reference to his Written Ministerial Statement of 1 April 2025 on Defence Reform, HCWS 573, whether the reforms will be subject to Parliamentary approval.

Defence Reform is making significant changes as part of this Government's ongoing efforts to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of UK Defence. These do not require formal Parliamentary approval, but the Government remains committed to transparency and accountability and will ensure that Parliament is kept informed of progress. The Quad will convene as often as necessary to ensure oversight and momentum of Defence Reform. Ministers will interact with the Quad through structured engagements and briefings. The Quad will provide regular updates to the Secretary of State for Defence and the Ministerial team, ensuring they are fully informed of progress. This will facilitate decision-making and ensure that the Defence Reform agenda aligns with broader Government objectives. It is too early to determine whether the National Armaments Director Group will have a central secretariat or continue to draw on existing capabilities in its constituent parts.

With reference to his Written Ministerial Statement of 1 April 2025 on Defence Reform, HCWS 573, how regularly the Quad will meet.

Defence Reform is making significant changes as part of this Government's ongoing efforts to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of UK Defence. These do not require formal Parliamentary approval, but the Government remains committed to transparency and accountability and will ensure that Parliament is kept informed of progress. The Quad will convene as often as necessary to ensure oversight and momentum of Defence Reform. Ministers will interact with the Quad through structured engagements and briefings. The Quad will provide regular updates to the Secretary of State for Defence and the Ministerial team, ensuring they are fully informed of progress. This will facilitate decision-making and ensure that the Defence Reform agenda aligns with broader Government objectives. It is too early to determine whether the National Armaments Director Group will have a central secretariat or continue to draw on existing capabilities in its constituent parts.

With reference to his Written Ministerial Statement of 1 April 2025 on Defence Reform, HCWS 573, whether these reforms will result in a reduction in senior officers.

This Government is bringing in the deepest reforms in UK Defence for 50 years, to speed up decision-making, secure faster delivery and achieve the best value for money for our troops and taxpayers. It is too early to specify the overall staffing requirements for the new organisational structure created as part of Defence Reform. This will be subject to refinement as planned implementation continues, and in response to operational and policy requirements as they emerge. There is no intent to replace the Chief of Defence People with a Senior Civil Servant. The organisation and structure of our Armed Forces, including the ranks of the Chief of the Defence Staff and Military Chiefs, has been considered as part of Defence Reform. It was judged that their seniority and rank remain commensurate to their roles and responsibilities.

With reference to his Written Ministerial Statement of 1 April 2025 on Defence Reform, HCWS 573, whether the Chief of Defence People will be replaced by a civil service Director General.

This Government is bringing in the deepest reforms in UK Defence for 50 years, to speed up decision-making, secure faster delivery and achieve the best value for money for our troops and taxpayers. It is too early to specify the overall staffing requirements for the new organisational structure created as part of Defence Reform. This will be subject to refinement as planned implementation continues, and in response to operational and policy requirements as they emerge. There is no intent to replace the Chief of Defence People with a Senior Civil Servant. The organisation and structure of our Armed Forces, including the ranks of the Chief of the Defence Staff and Military Chiefs, has been considered as part of Defence Reform. It was judged that their seniority and rank remain commensurate to their roles and responsibilities.

With reference to his Written Ministerial Statement of 1 April 2025 on Defence Reform, HCWS 573, whether he has considered changing the ranks for the (a) service chiefs and (b) Chief of the Defence Staff.

This Government is bringing in the deepest reforms in UK Defence for 50 years, to speed up decision-making, secure faster delivery and achieve the best value for money for our troops and taxpayers. It is too early to specify the overall staffing requirements for the new organisational structure created as part of Defence Reform. This will be subject to refinement as planned implementation continues, and in response to operational and policy requirements as they emerge. There is no intent to replace the Chief of Defence People with a Senior Civil Servant. The organisation and structure of our Armed Forces, including the ranks of the Chief of the Defence Staff and Military Chiefs, has been considered as part of Defence Reform. It was judged that their seniority and rank remain commensurate to their roles and responsibilities.

When he last met with the lead members of the Strategic Defence Review team.

The Reviewers are reporting regularly on progress to the Defence Secretary, the Prime Minister and the Chancellor of the Exchequer. The Review will be published in the Spring. As the Prime Minister reported in his Statement on Defence and Security in the House of Commons, the Strategic Defence Review is advanced, and he will lay it in Parliament as soon as he can. It will help set the path for Britain's defence for the next decade.

Pursuant to the Answer of 01 April 2025 to Question 41483 on Defence: Procurement, what the (a) eight business cases waiting for approval with His Majesty's Treasury and (b) seven cases waiting for approval with the Cabinet Office are.

The eight cases with HM Treasury are as follows:1) Sheffield Forgemaster Recapitalisation2) Future Maritime Support Programme3) Project BRAMLEY (ICT infrastructure)4) Defence Marine Services – Next Generation5) Astute6) Dreadnought Support7) Future Combat Air System/Global Combat Air Programme8) Submarine Disposal Capability (NB - this case was approved by HM Treasury on 1 Apr 25). The seven cases with Cabinet Office are as follows:1) Defence Marine Services Next Generation2) AWE Client Partnership Framework3) Future Maritime Support Programme4) Land Ground Based Air Defence (GBAD) Mounted SHORAD5) HESTIA (Facilities Management) - All regional contracts - UK MOD Estate: South West; South; South East; East; North; Wales & W Midlands; Scotland and North Ireland6) Project “Appivate” - RAF Digital Technology Contract7) Defence Digital ICT manage services project.

Pursuant to the Answer of 20 March 2025 to Question 38652 on Multi-role Support Ships: Procurement, whether external consultants were involved in the renaming process.

The name change from Multi-role Support Ship to Multi-role Strike Ship (MRSS) took effect on 25 February 2025. No external consultants were involved.

When the Prime Minister last met with the lead members of the Strategic Defence Review team.

As the Prime Minister reported in his Statement on Defence and Security in the House of Commons, the Strategic Defence Review is being finalised. The Reviewers are reporting regularly on progress to the Prime Minister, the Defence Secretary, and the Chancellor of the Exchequer, and the Review will be published in the Spring. It will help set the path for Britain's defence for the next decade.

How many (a) of his Department's civilian personnel, (b) Armed Forces personnel and (c) external private contractors work on recruitment for the (i) Royal Navy, (ii) British Army, (iii) Royal Air Force and (iv) Royal Marines.

The requested information is presented in the table below. A separate return for the Royal Marines is not available as Royal Navy and Royal Marines recruiting are combined under the Royal Navy Recruit and Attract organisation. ArmyRoyal NavyRoyal Air ForceRegulars417228250Reservists84266105Civil Servants183567Contractors70817*14* *Note: contractors provide a range of outsourced Services, some held jointly. For the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force we hold no details on the numbers of individuals who work for the provider on each contract.

How many (a) full time and (b) reservist armed forces personnel were working on recruitment for the (i) British Army, (ii) Royal Navy, (iii) RAF and (iv) Royal Marines as of 01 April 2025.

The requested information is presented in the table below. A separate return for the Royal Marines is not available as Royal Navy and Royal Marines recruiting are combined under the Royal Navy Recruit and Attract organisation. ArmyRoyal NavyRoyal Air ForceRegulars417228250Reservists84266105Civil Servants183567Contractors70817*14* *Note: contractors provide a range of outsourced Services, some held jointly. For the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force we hold no details on the numbers of individuals who work for the provider on each contract.

Pursuant to the Answer of 20 March 2025 to Question 38652 on Multi-role Support Ships: Procurement, on what date it was renamed.

The name change from Multi-role Support Ship to Multi-role Strike Ship (MRSS) took effect on 25 February 2025. No external consultants were involved.

What his Department's recruitment targets for the armed forces are for 2025-26.

As the hon. Gentleman will know, the current Government inherited a crisis in recruitment and retention from the last administration. We have made a series of announcements to improve recruitment since July 2024. The 2025-26 Single Service recruitment targets are detailed below: Royal Navy – 3,890Army – 10,200Royal Air Force – 3,230 These figures are the totals for Regular Service personnel only and are rounded to the nearest 10.

Pursuant to the Answer of 24 March to Question 39042 on Helicopters: Finance, if he will outline the prioritisation decisions made by the multiple front line commands to lay out an estimated budget for (a) 2024-25 and (b) 2025-26.

Prioritisation decisions made by front line commands regarding spending on rotary wing will take account of capability requirements, as well as the Accounting Officer principles set out in Managing Public Money.